Lucas Giles — Co-Founder and Director, Palmer Gallery
Will Hainsworth and Lucas Giles photographed near the entrance of Palmer Gallery, where an immersive, interdisciplinary show by Andy Holden & The Grubby Mitts reinterprets their concept album, "Love in the Misanthropocene", across audiovisual installations, sculptures, paintings, and more (through October 21). (Image credit: Palmer Gallery)
What do you fear and enjoy most about Frieze Week? Frieze Week for me is a double-edged sword: I love meeting new people and catching up with old friends who are in town, but since I live above my gallery, the after-parties tend to spill over into my home — just ask my girlfriend ...
What are your top three spots for a meal during the fairs? I live above the gallery just off Church Street, so breakfast at Habaybna, a Lebanese restaurant, is a must. Get some mint tea and a manakish flatbread, and watch the world go by in the little Church Street Market ecosystem. If you're near the fair, pop into Fischer's in Marylebone for a quick schnitzel. They serve classic Austrian fare, but it's always delicious, plus, it's a cozy, elegant spot for lunch with friends or colleagues. For a lively post-Frieze dinner, Phoenix Palace off Baker Street is a good option; it's a massive dining floor, so you're likely to get a table even with a crowd. Think big round tables, lazy Susan's and a whole load of steaming Chinese dumplings!
Who serves the best drinks to the art world? The Barley Mow, an old school boozer in Marylebone, has a lovely bar and wooden booths, and a nice, cross-generational mix of clientele. The Royal Exchange, a lovely old corner pub in Paddington, is another one of my favorites. It was a notorious hangout spot for the Lisson Grove punk scene, and it is not uncommon to see Paul Simonon from the Clash on the decks on a Thursday night. It is the place for a good pint of Guinness and legendary DJ sets. Another notorious boozer tucked away behind the council blocks around Sussex Gardens, The Heron's decor is interesting to say the least (think Taxidermies and weird Royal memorabilia), and the Thai food is surprisingly excellent.
What's the secret to surviving Frieze Week in style? No real secrets — just enjoy it and do your own thing. There's so much to see, so embrace the FOMO and remember that not seeing everything is part of the fun.
